O God, in Blessed Mary Bartholomew you brought
together steadfastness in suffering and innocence of life as we endure many
trials may we be helped by your grace.
Rejoice to the full in the glory that is yours,
alleluia, and give thanks to God, alleluia, who called you to his kingdom,
alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
God of all mercy, you made Blessed Columba shine forth
by the innocence of her life and by her zeal for peace. By the
help of her teaching may we live together in unity and
serve you with pure minds.
Lord Jesus Christ, you received into heaven Blessed
Imelda who loved you in the eucharistic banquet. By her prayers
may we learn to approach your holy table with that same
fervent love and so fulfill our longing to be with you, who live
and reign with the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
The fear of the Lord is holy, abiding for ever. The decrees of the Lord are truth and all of them just.
Eternal God, you blessed Saint Antoninus with a marvelous gift of counsel. By the help of his prayers while we walk in the darkness of this life, may we learn from a light of Christ all that we ought to do.
Saint Antoninus (1389-1459) was a Dominican friar was known for his evangelical zeal, holiness, the desire to live the Dominican life with integrity, the desire to attend to the poor, the reconciliation of sinners, and harmonious workings of society, both political and economic. He is the author of several books, including his own Summa theologica. His liturgical memorial is observed today even though on the Roman Maryrology the observance is noted for May 2.
From the Vita
He required of himself the most unflinching observance of the Rule of his Order, and never ate meat unless he were grievously ill. He slept upon the ground or upon bare boards. He always wore haircloth, and sometimes an iron girdle which bit into his naked skin. His virginity he kept ever undimmed by the last breath or shadow. He was so skillful in giving advice that he gained the common nickname of Antoninus the Counselor. At the same time so beautifully brilliant was his lowliness, that even when he was at the head of houses and provinces of his Order, he most cheerfully underook all the meanest services of the house where he was. Eugenius IV appointed him Archbishop of Florence, and he took it so ill, that it was only when awed by the threats of the Apostolic See that he obeyed, and accepted the dignity.
Blessed are you, O Virgin Mary, for you came the salvation of the world. Already glorious, you rejoice before the Lord. Intercede for us with your Son. Alleluia!
Faithful God, our Father Dominic founded the Order of Preachers under the special patronage of the Blessed Virign Mary. May her prayers continue to support us that we may rejoice in the glory you promise.
